Theme races are all the rage right now, from down-and-dirty obstacle course races to middle-of-the-night electric runs. If your regular running routine is starting to bore you, try shaking things up with one of these events. Theme races are a blast to run as a group, so grab some friends and family members and join in the fun.
Obstacle Course Race
The popularity of obstacle course races and mud runs has really taken off in the past several years. Spartan Race, Rugged Maniacs, and other organizers offer obstacle course races designed to test your all-around mental and physical strength. Each has some unique features but all offer an entry level race where you can determine whether obstacle course racing is for you or not.
If you’re looking for a real beginner obstacle course race, you may want to try a Mud Girl Run event or a Your First Mud Run race. They’re both geared toward beginners and are family-friendly.
Color Run
Promoted as “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” the Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed race in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners,” are doused from head to toe in different colored powder at each kilometer. The only two rules of the race are to wear white and to finish the race plastered in color.
Once the race is over, the fun continues at the Finish Festival, a larger-than-life party equipped with music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations.
Zombie Run
Ever wonder what it might feel like to run for your life? Test your speed, strength, and endurance through miles of man-made and natural obstacles—all while being chased by hungry, merciless zombies.
This obstacle course race is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. And hopefully, it won’t be your last. Popular in the pre-Halloween season, look for Zombie Runs near you in September and October.
5K Foam Fest
Foam Fest 5Ks take all the fun, dirt, and challenge of a muddy obstacle race and add another element – foam! Race organizers describe the race as “all the obstacles you’ve seen on TV shows like ‘Ninja Warrior’ and then throw that entire muddy obstacles mess inside the largest and foamiest carwash ever built.”
Electric Run
Imagine running in the dark with thousands of other people while listening to cool music, wearing glow necklaces and bracelets, and watching breathtaking light displays. If that sounds like a good time, check out the Electric Run website for a race near you.
